An investigation is underway in Chicago into the death of a man who set off fireworks on July 4.
The incident occurred at 10 p.m. in the 3000 block of North Kostner Avenue, Chicago police said.
According to authorities, a 34-year-old man suffered trauma to his body while handling fireworks. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
In a tweet on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the Chicago Fire Department said the man was killed by “delayed ignition of a mortar round,” which caused “extensive injuries.”
CFD noted that it was one of many incidents involving the use of fireworks.
“CFD responded to multiple fires in Chicago last night,” the tweet said. “Almost all started with fireworks.”
According to CFD, at least 13 of these fires were caused by fireworks.
Officials in Lake County also reported that at least two recent house fires were likely caused by fireworks.
“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds the community that most fireworks are not legal in Illinois,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. “Every year, officers respond to calls where people have been seriously injured or buildings have been burned to the ground due to illegal fireworks.”
Illinois is one of three states that ban some or all consumer fireworks, although they are still available for purchase in neighboring states such as Indiana and Iowa. Under the Pyrotechnic Use Act, signed into law in 1942, the purchase, sale, and possession of “consumer fireworks” are prohibited throughout the state.
However, Illinois residents are allowed to legally possess items labeled as having a “novelty effect,” such as sparklers, under state law.
Municipalities can still pass an ordinance banning such items. In the city of Chicago, for example, all fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal.
According to the State Fire Marshal, consumer fireworks displays are only allowed in areas where measures have been taken to allow them. In order to hold a consumer display with approved fireworks, a resident must complete training with their local fire department, undergo a site inspection, and apply for a permit through a local government agency.
While consumer fireworks can be purchased for those who have completed the process, the State Fire Marshal strongly advises residents to have fireworks set off by professionals.
“Fireworks are never safe and all we can do is limit the potential danger,” the agency said.